National Happiness Awards

Do you work in the happiest school in the UK, or know the nation’s happiest teacher or pupil? If so, the National Happiness Awards want to hear from you.

Britain’s boldest and brightest awards scheme recognises the people and places within the education sector that are making a positive difference to lives by using humour and happiness to boost learning, mental health, resilience and wellbeing.

Award season is now open and nominations are invited in the categories of Happiest School, Happiest School Person and Happiest Pupil. Awards are judged by a panel of independent experts, the nomination process is quick and easy and the awards culminate in a gala award ceremony in November.

The National Happiness Awards were launched in 2016 by learning and development consultancy Laughology, the pioneer behind the acclaimed Happy-Centred Schools programme. They are supported by Sir Anthony Seldon, one of the country’s leading experts on happiness and a senior advisor on the government’s happiness agenda. They have also been backed by former Home Secretary Amber Rudd.

The importance of happiness in education has never been more vital. Earlier this year the government announced that children will be taught how to build mental resilience and how to recognise when their peers are struggling with mental health issues, amid growing concerns about mental health problems among young people. A major report from The London School of Economics and Political Science also concluded that happiness at school is more important than academic qualifications and that it should be factored into the curriculum.

Teachers returning to schools this month will be encouraged to use a new Department of Education self-assessment audit tool to support school development planning of emotional health and well-being.

Laughology founder and CEO, Stephanie Davies, said: “Happiness in education isn’t just about laughing and joking. It’s about creating schools where pupils can develop confidence, resilience, positive relationships and coping skills. Educators are increasingly realising that creating happy spaces where people can learn and support each other makes a real difference to outcomes.”

The National Happiness Awards 2018 are sponsored by gold sponsor Fit2Communicate and silver sponsor Crown House Publishing. Venue sponsor The Landing will host the award ceremony at MediaCityUK, Manchester. The event will raise money for Children in Need and the Greater Manchester Mayor’s Homelessness Fund.